A prominent heritage campaigner has initiated a targeted campaign to secure greater support for communities living and working on unadopted roads across the UK, with a flagship project now underway in Liverpool.
What Are Unadopted Roads and Why Are They a Problem?
Unadopted roads are carriageways not maintained by the local highway authority. This means the responsibility for upkeep, including costly repairs and resurfacing, falls directly on the owners of the properties that front the road, known as frontagers. These can be private or public highways that have never been formally adopted, and their condition can deteriorate, leading to significant, unexpected financial burdens for residents and accessibility issues.
Hartley Avenue: The First Major Objective
Campaigner David Barton has identified the resurfacing of Hartley Avenue in Liverpool as the campaign's first core objective. He has personally assessed the site and stated there is an urgent need for action. The long-term goal is to see the carriageway formally adopted by Liverpool City Council, which would transfer maintenance responsibility to the local authority.
Barton is collaborating with Stephen Lancaster-Frankland, Chair of the Hartley’s Village Residence Association, and digital marketer Daniel Kirk of KirkMediaWorks. Together, they are supporting the residential complex comprising the original workers’ houses along the avenue.
An audit of six key matters is currently being conducted on behalf of the residents' group and other stakeholders, including property owners and an undisclosed third-party investor.
Prioritising Safety, Access, and Investment
Barton emphasised that the well-being of residents and local businesses is the primary concern. Ensuring reliable access for emergency vehicles is cited as a critical reason for the resurfacing work. Furthermore, improving the overall presentation of the area is seen as vital for attracting investment to the nearby factory complex and the wider Aintree district.
"If this enables us to get the Carriageway formally adopted by Liverpool Council, this would be a key masterstroke," Barton said. "However, irrespective of this, we still need to do everything in our power to reach the Avenue’s full potential."
Stephen Lancaster-Frankland added: "We have been working very hard in the background to complement the work at the Factory Complex. Together with David and Daniel we are making great strides which we are hoping to report back on in the New Year when our Campaign officially launches."
The group has invited anyone interested in supporting or getting involved with the campaign to come forward.
